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Description

Talk about classics! Cars don't get any more classic than a Studebaker. Literally. The Midwest manufacturer actually came along well before the car as we know it even existed, first plying its trade to build wagons for the farming industry and the military before breaking into the automobile market and forging a reputation for building reliable cars over the course of a half century. This 1955 Studebaker Champion Regal is a fine example. More than 60 years after it first stepped off the assembly line, this rolling piece of numbers-matching Americana is running and looking surprisingly strong.

The beefy front bumper juts out from the grille just above to give the Champion Regal an aggressive, almost barracuda-like appearance, but this classic's true ferocity lies in its rugged durability. It's no barnyard discovery barely clinging to life, but rather a vintage sedan that's held together unusually well. Two-tone, turquoise and white paint replaces the original shade, but it looks every bit vintage and is draped over a sturdy body whose four doors still open and shut smoothly. A clay bar wax session would freshen things up a bit, but the exterior on this '55 already has a lot going for it: clean rubber surrounds the doors, trunk and windows to keep the elements out, clear glass surrounds the cabin, and its extensive array of trim - check out the broad swaths of chrome on the rear fenders - is very much on point. This is also one very distinctive ride that bears little resemblance to the counterparts of its era - its stout front bumper merges directly into the grille above and the rear roofline features an almost fastback taper that wouldn't become en vogue elsewhere for quite some time yet.

The green interior has come through the years in strong fashion. It's definitely seen some freshening-up during that time but remains in its initial configuration. The bench seating in front and back features new-looking two-tone vinyl covers that fit well and complement the exterior nicely as it sits over an expanse of clean carpeting protected by fresh floor mats up front. The dash area just behind of the original steering wheel looks great as well and the stock gauges in the instrument cluster are plenty readable. The array of control knobs are securely in place and the original AM radio, while it no longer works, is still connected to a manually-raised, under dash antenna. A full size spare sits in its proper vertical position next to its jack in the roomy trunk and, while the fabric lining its floor could stand to be replaced, the exposed floor and inner fenders appear very solid.

Everything's also been left in factory configuration under hood, but the compartment still looks tidy and well-organized. The 186 cubic inch inline 6 sitting at its center with its vintage one barrel carb and air cleaner has been there from the start and is in very good form, representing an upgrade over its predecessors in both power and displacement and firing up quickly and running smoothly, not to mention much more quietly than you'd expect. The engine teams with a 3-speed manual transmission that's operated via a column-mounted shifter situated right next to a switch to engage overdrive and bring highway speed RPMs down. This charming and authentic-looking sedan sits on a set of 15" white steel wheels sporting chrome caps and wrapped with Hankook Optimo H724s tires.

It's not often that you come across a unique classic that's ready to cruise as soon as you get it home, but that's just what this 1955 Studebaker Champion Regal offers. Call today!